Mosquito repellent for infants and children. How do we use them?

Summer is undoubtedly the season of mosquitoes and insects. They usually make their appearance after the dusk and make us feel uncomfortable by the itching. Young children and infants are much more vulnerable to mosquito bites. But when can you start putting mosquito repellent with safety in children?

Why do mosquitoes bite?

Mosquitoes bite so they can get the nutrients they need to fertilize their eggs. That is why only the female mosquitoes bite. The mosquitoes are attracted by the scent of body and several body substances, such as carbon dioxide and sweat.

How can we repel mosquitoes?

Insect Repellents are the most effective means of repelling mosquitoes and insects in general. Due to some of the substances they contain, they can make the skin inhospitable to mosquitoes.

What kinds of insect repellents exist and how do they work?

Insect repellents come in many forms, including aerosols, sprays, liquids, creams, stickers and wipes. Some are made of chemical ingredients while other from natural ingredients:

• Insect repellents containing chemicals such as DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), IR3535 and Picaridin
• Insect repellents containing essential oils such as citronella, lemon-eucalyptus, geranium, peppermint, basil, cloves, thyme and lavender

The most effective mosquitoes are those containing DEET, while insect repellents containing essential oils can be used by people with sensitive skin, pregnant women and children. Never spray insect repellents directly on your child’s face. Instead, spray your hands first and then rub around the child’s face, avoiding the areas of mouth and eyes.

When can you start putting mosquito repellent on your baby?

Μosquito repellents which contain DEET should not exceed 30% in concentration. In commerce, the concentration of DEET in mosquito repellents can range from 10-30% and they have low to high protection and duration (2-8 hours), respectively.

Children younger than 2 months of age should not use mosquito repellents at all. Insect repellents with low DEET concentrations (less than 15%) can be used by infants older than 2 months of age. Do not use products containing lemon-eucalyptus (OLE) or parmethanediol (PMD) oil in children under 3 years old. Products containing citronella should not be used by children younger than 6 months old.

What additional ways do they exist to protect children?

If there is no other option, you can spray the baby stroller or clothes, or even use special baby wipes next to your child, that effectively repel mosquitoes and insects.

In Vita4you you can find a wide variety of mosquito repellents for children as well as products after stinging.